Behind the Badge -- OctOBer 2012

Officer Jason harris was patrolling the Walter Fuller Park area located at 7891 26th avenue north at 1:20 aM while working the midnight shift on March 5, 2012. he observed two males and a female together in the park after dark and exited his cruiser to initiate a field interview with them. during the course of his contact with them, the female became unresponsive, so he called for the assistance of St. Petersburg Fire & rescue.

Officer harris began further checking her and she appeared to have stopped breathing and had no

pulse, indicating possible cardiac arrest. Officer harris immediately retrieved the automated external defibrillator (aed) from his patrol cruiser and connected it to her. the aed’s prompts advised to begin cPr so Officer harris began chest compressions on her.

Officer Weiskopf heard the radio call regarding the woman’s medical episode. he arrived at the scene and relieved Officer harris by taking over the chest

See Lifesaving Award page 12

Officer JasOn Harris and Officer MicHael WeiskOpf receive life saving aWard

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straigHt frOM tHe cHiefBy

Chief Charles “Chuck” Harmon

First and foremost, i want to extend my highest appreciation to all the men and women of the St. Petersburg Police department for your extraordinary service during the republican national convention (rnc) that was held in St. Petersburg and tampa, august 26-30, 2012. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the many months of planning and preparation that made this event a resounding success for our city.

this edition of the Behind the Badge commemorates the rnc by including many photographs of our employees in action during the event. everyone should be proud of our efforts to ensure a safe and successful convention while safeguarding the constitutional rights to free speech by peaceful protestors.

this edition also provides informative articles about employees who received awards during this quarter, including the herbert Sullivan distinguished Performance award, two Life Saving awards, our employees of the Quarter and a special award for Officer doug Weaver from the Florida chiefs of Police association.

Our department recently acquired an armored rescue Vehicle (arV),

and we have an article with photographs to help familiarize everyone with this welcome addition to our police fleet. the arV is a Lenco Bearcat that was built to our specifications. it is designed to transport police tactical personnel to and from hostile situations, and is designed to provide protection by virtue of its ballistic glass and 1.5 inch thick steel bodywork.

Finally, i want to say how proud i am of the St. Petersburg Police explorer Post 980 for their second place finish (out of 21 teams) in the Florida association of Police explorers State conference and competition in crystal river, June 24-30, 2012. Officer Janie Staples was selected as the advisor of the Year at the conference. Janie and Officer robbie arkovich have worked very hard to develop our explorer program into one of the finest in the state, and we should all be proud of their accomplishments.

Behind the Badgea PuBLicatiOn OF the

St. PeterSBurg POLice dePartMentcOMMunitY aWareneSS diViSiOn

editor Bill Proffitt, division Managerdesign & Production Officer chip WellsPhotographs Jennifer dawkins

Behind the Badge is always looking for articles. if you have an article or idea you would like to see in Behind the Badge, contact community awareness, 893-7128.

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Doug weaver receives officer of THe year awarD froM THe floriDa Police cHiefs associaTion

St. Petersburg Police Officer doug Weaver was recognized by the Florida Police chiefs association (FPca) as their recipient of their 2011 “Lee Mcgehee” Police Officer of the Year award.

the award was presented to Officer Weaver at the FPca’s annual awards and installation Banquet in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on July 11th

2012.

the Florida Police chiefs association established the Police Officer of the Year award in 1998 to recognize officers for exceptional achievement in any police endeavor, including extraordinary valor, crime prevention, investigative work, community policing, traffic safety, drug control and prevention, juvenile programs and training programs.

Officer Weaver was nominated for his actions of January 24th, 2011 when Sergeant thomas Baitinger and K-9 Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz were killed and a deputy u.S. Marshal seriously wounded during a violent confrontation with an armed fugitive barricaded in a home.

upon hearing the call of “shots fired, officers down,” Officer Weaver raced to the scene where he learned officers were injured and trapped inside the home of the fugitive. he and three others, including Sergeant thomas Baitinger, knew they could not wait for the SWat team, so they formed a rapid response team to enter the house.

Once inside, they cleared the kitchen/dining area before moving toward the attic entrance where the fugitive was hiding, holding his fire until the officers moved closer to his position. the fugitive opened fire and Sergeant Baitinger was mortally wounded. Officer Weaver and others returned fire. then Officer Weaver saw K-9 Officer Yaslowitz’s leg near the attic entrance, so he put down his ar-15, jumped up on a step stool and grabbed the officer’s foot, hoping to pull him down to safety.

One of the fugitive’s rounds struck the back of Officer Weaver’s hand, tearing his leather glove and creasing his skin. Losing his grip, Officer Weaver fell to the floor and went into a bathroom where another officer and the injured deputy u.S. Marshal were hiding. Officer Weaver smashed out the window and helped them climb out to safety.

after climbing out of the bathroom window, Officer Weaver went around to the bedroom where Sergeant Baitinger lay mortally wounded, broke the window and climbed in. the fugitive heard the noise and began shooting toward the bedroom.

Officer Weaver picked up Sergeant Baitinger and carried him to the window, passed him outside to other officers before he climbed out too.

the department’s SWat team arrived and formed a rescue team. Officer Weaver, a member of the SWat

See FPCA Award page 12

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undercover detectives harry herbst and herbert Sullivan attempted to purchase a kilogram of cocaine and approximately 1,000 pills for $65,000 from William haake. the buy-bust went wrong when a previously unidentified second suspect, Sammie Lee Mathis, approached Sullivan who was holding the buy money and fatally shot him. Mathis was arrested the next day, but it took seven years to locate haake who eluded authorities. he was located in europe where he was serving time for attempted drug smuggling and possession of a firearm. Both suspects ultimately were convicted, but due to international agreements, the united States was forbidden from seeking the death penalty. haake and Mathis are serving life sentences. twenty-nine years later, herbert Sullivan and the officer safety lessons learned have not been forgotten. a memorial in the nation’s capital that was established to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty includes herb’s name.

in 1997, the herbert r. Sullivan distinguished Performance award was established in SPPd’s Vice and narcotics division. it is an annual award bestowed on a member of any rank who demonstrates exemplary performance and leadership. the prestigious award is the first of its kind in the division to honor outstanding performance.

HistOry Of tHe Herbert r. sullivan distinguisHed perfOrMance aWard

detective JOsepH pittaluga receives Herbert r. sullivan distinguisHed

perfOrMance aWard

detective Pittaluga started his employment with the St Petersburg Police department on May 23, 2005. he transferred to the Vice and narcotics division in november 2008, where he has worked since. detective Pittaluga has become a seasoned veteran of the unit and one of the hardest working detectives on the department. he is constantly searching for new techniques to better his role as a Vice and narcotics detective. detective Pittaluga is meticulous, driven, and embodies a strict work ethic. he leads his peers by example and has become one of the unit’s “go to people” whenever there is a problem that requires a resolution.

detective Pittaluga conducts thorough investigations and completes police reports that are both detailed and grammatically correct. Over the past year, he has authored multiple search warrants that have received positive reviews from his peers, supervisors, and the State attorney’s Office. he has investigated and authored seven residential search warrants during this past year.

One of his noteworthy search warrants was conducted on February 7, 2012. detective Pittaluga

concluded a lengthy investigation of a large drug trafficking ring by obtaining a search warrant for 2735 17th avenue north. the suspect who lived at this residence was known to store and distribute large quantities of marijuana and powder cocaine. detective Pittaluga authored a detailed search warrant that was executed by the Vice and narcotics division. this search warrant resulted in the seizure of two kilograms of powder cocaine, one pound of marijuana, $1,000.00 of uS currency, two handguns, and the arrest of four suspects.

the suspects in this case were federally indicted. the street value of the two kilograms of cocaine is more than $100,000.00.

On October 6, 2011, after the use of various legal investigative techniques, detective Pittaluga completed his investigation by obtaining a search warrant for a residence where the occupants were selling and storing large quantities of marijuana, MdMa, and powder cocaine. detective Pittaluga

See Herb Sullivan Award page 5

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Mustache Picture to honor terry tarantoBY

Ricardo Lopez

in 2009 after detective terry taranto passed away, detective ricardo Lopez and members of the burglary unit wanted to come up with a way to remember the fun-loving detective. detective Lopez was partnered up with taranto during their time in burglary before terry retired and he made a great impact on his squad with his leadership, experience, and sense of humor.

Since august is terry’s birth month, they came up with “Mustache august” where employees grow a mustache in his memory. the mustache is grown through the month of august and the photo is taken on the last day of the month. the first photo was taken in august of 2009 with detectives Lopez, deckert, tully and carter.

i know terry is smiling down on us with his chuckle we all came to love. See you all next august!

again authored a detailed search warrant that was executed by the Vice and narcotics unit. this search warrant resulted in the seizure of 2.7 ounces of powder cocaine, 3 pounds of marijuana, 5.5 ounces of MdMa, 1.4 grams of hydrocodone, $3,200.00 of uS currency, one handgun, and a vehicle.

in the month of august 2011, detective Pittaluga started the investigation of an elaborate marijuana grow operation. Because of the suspect’s clandestine lifestyle, detective Pittaluga had to use various legal investigative techniques in order to obtain a search warrant for the structure housing the operation. as a result of detective Pittaluga’s due diligence, a search warrant was executed on august 13, 2011. the search warrant yielded more than 28 marijuana plants and two arrests. the street value of the Marijuana plants was more than $30,000.00.

detective Pittaluga is a true asset not only to the Police department, but also to the citizens of the city of St. Petersburg. he is an excellent example of what every detective should strive to emulate. his work ethic, dedication, and passion for doing the best job he can, is unmatched. it is an honor for me to nominate detective Joseph Pittaluga for the herbert r. Sullivan distinguished Performance award.

Herb Sullivan Award from Page 4

due to his assignment detective Joseph Pittaluga’s photo could not be included with this article.

Detective Joseph Pittaluga was nominated by Detective Sergeant Anthony McCoy. This is an excerpt from that nomination.

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departMent unveils neW arMOred rescue veHicle

On July 31, members of the St. Petersburg Police SWat team unveiled the department’s newly purchased armored personnel carrier, the Lenco Bearcat.

the 2012 Bearcat is a four wheel drive vehicle primarily used for the transport of police tactical personnel to and from hostile situations. the vehicle will assist with the rescue, recovery and protection of both officers and civilians found in harm’s way during terrorist threats, hostage situations or encounters with armed offenders.

the name Bearcat stands for Ballistic engineered armored response counter attack truck and is designed to provide protection from a variety of small arms, explosives and ied threats. it is based on a Ford F-550 6.0-liter turbo diesel, four-speed automatic transmission commercial truck chassis. the 1.5-inch-thick steel armored bodywork is completed with ballistic glass capable of taking multi-hits.

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sppd explOrer pOst state cOMpetitiOnBY

Officer rOBBie ArkOvich

St. Petersburg Police explorer Post 980 is back from the Florida association of Police explorers State conference and competition which took place June 24 – 30, 2012 in crystal river. explorer posts from agencies around the state competed in events such as firearms, traffic stops, in progress crimes, domestic violence investigations, crime scene investigations, active shooter, search and arrest, courtroom testimony, bicycle course, emergency vehicle operations, physical agility course, color guard and F.a.t.S. the St. Petersburg explorers placed second in the overall competition out of the 31 agencies that participated.

the four person explorer competition team, consisting of gabriella Pillucere,

Samantha Mcculllough, Jake Yancey and devon Barrios placed second in crime scene investigations and fourth in the in progress event. the team tied for first place, along with four other teams, in the active shooter event. a tie breaker event consisting of courtroom testimony had to be used to break the tie, yielding a fourth place finish in the event. Of the four person pistol team, consisting of gabriella Pillucere, Jake Yancey, Victoria rutenbeck and carol ngo, Yancey placed third in his division and rutenbeck placed second.

the explorers, led by advisors Officer Janie Staples and Officer robbie arkovich, participated in training guided by officers from around the police department to prepare them for their events. the training they received paid

Samantha McCullough and Devon Barrios Interview a suspect during competition

See Explorers on page 8

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off as their second place finish is up from ninth place at last year’s competition. the training the explorers receive is not just for competition. For those interested in going to the police academy, it gives them an advantage on the training they will receive there. they apply their training while on ride alongs with our officers. during the ride alongs, the explorers enjoy helping with paperwork, radio usage, directing traffic and other tasks they can do to help the officers with. Most importantly, the training they undertake may one day save their lives as police officers.

there is much work and planning that goes into preparing the explorers for competition as well as the day to day operations of the explorer post. in addition to what they do on duty, Officers Staples and arkovich contribute many hours of their own time to ensure our department has one of the best explorer posts in the state. reflective of this dedication, Officer Staples received advisor of the Year award at the conference. the post’s nomination packet included letters from all of the post members as well as her supervisors and coworkers. Officer Staples’ accomplishment is considerable factoring how many post advisors there are across the state.

The competition team during the active shooter event

Brooke Robbins in F.A.T.S.

Victoria Rutenbeck competes in the bicycle course event

Honor Guard Evaluation

Explorers from Page 7

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republican natiOnal

cOnventiOnaugust 26-31

rnc photographs taken by Jennifer dawkins

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Republican national

conventionaugust 26-31

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republican natiOnal

cOnventiOnaugust 26-31

Technician Scott T. Frankland

Officer Matthew W. Enhoffer

eMplOyees Of tHe quarter

Administrative Services Bureau

Investigative Services Bureau

Uniform Services Bureau

James Parris

compressions on the victim until eMS units arrived. While eMS personnel worked on the woman, Officer harris spoke with the two males and got information about the evening’s course of events.

the patient was transported to the hospital by ambulance and accompanied by Officer Weiskopf while Officer harris went to her residence. Officer harris obtained all of her medications and brought them to the emergency room. Both officers were advised by medical personnel that the victim had regained a pulse and other vital signs had risen.

although the woman passed away four days later at the hospital, the officers should be commended for their efforts in recognizing there was a medical emergency, taking action, and endeavoring to rescue her.

Life Saving Award from Page 1

team, volunteered to go back inside again.

the SWat team moved into the house, was met with raining gunfire, retreated outside and regrouped before entering the house again.

Officer Weaver and the other members of the SWat team exchanged hundreds of rounds of gunfire with the fugitive as they rescued Officer Yaslowitz’s body.

By the end of the day, Officer doug Weaver had entered the house four times to rescue fallen officers.

FPCA Award from Page 3